and apparently—so far, at any rate, as their teeth afford a clue—by an omnivorous diet."
Mr. Beddard divides the Mammalia into two Sub-classes—(1) Prototheria, including the Monotremata, and possibly the Allotheria; and (2) Eutheria, embracing all the other divisions; and we are glad to see that in the Primates the Hominidæ terminate the onward or upward ascendancy of the Anthropoidea. We may yet live to see Man more fully described in a treatise on the Mammalia, and our descendants will probably read a natural history commencing near a club-moss, and terminating with the genus Homo. In insisting that other animals than ourselves have neither spirit nor reason, we study their bodies only; in approaching man from a spiritual side alone, we are likely to forget that he has a body for zoological classification.
It is needless to say that this book is as handsomely illustrated as the other members of the series, and will be found as readable and useful. Mr. Beddard has not only worked hard to bring his facts up to date, but has also incorporated a notice of many current views and theories which not infrequently are "gladly heard," but sometimes rest on an insecure basis. However, both dogma and theory appeal to a large audience, and always receive a respectful hearing; and, though our author has referred to some speculations, he has also submerged them in a sea of facts.
We have received the first seven parts of this publication, to which fuller reference will be made when the work is completed. It promises to prove a work of great utility to those many collectors of Lepidoptera who do not confine themselves to a purely British collection, and who remember that these islands form part of the European continental division. It is very handsomely illustrated.
